Tell me more ×
Arqade is a question and answer site for passionate videogamers on all platforms. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 13 down vote favorite

Are they the same, or alter egos? Does "Eggman" refer to a specific persona with unique characteristics compared to "Dr. Robotnik"? Does the name change based on between the 3D/2D game perspective, or the game's region (Japan vs. US)? Does he ever assert a name preference, and does he accept or reject the Eggman nickname? They look the same—is there a reason why the Sonic series uses both names simultaneously?

share|improve this question

4 Answers

up vote 17 down vote accepted

They are different names for the same character. The Wikipedia article you linked has the explanation, sourced from the former head of Sonic Team, Yuji Naka:

"Robotnik" is the character's real name while "Eggman" is a "common name taken after his shape."

In various iterations of the franchise, they've chosen different names for him, with Robotnik being more of the English name, and Eggman the Japanese. However, since Sonic Adventure (1999) he tends to go by Doctor Eggman in both English and Japanese translations of his video game appearances.

As far as whether or not this is a preference, a teasing nickname, or just a localization hiccup, the character rarely remarks about his different names or his own preferences. However, as Jupotter points out, in Sonic Generations, Classic Tails refers to him as Dr. Robotnik, and he comments that nobody calls him that anymore. This would seem to indicate that he's at least aware of his different names.

share|improve this answer
I'm not sure there's a single game where he's called Robotnik after SA 2. And Robotnik was such an awesome name! Also, IIRC, Eggman was a nickname in SA 1 (which he didn't accept) and he assumed it as his own name from SA 2 on, but it's been a while since I played – Ben Brocka May 2 '12 at 3:19
2  
He was also referred to as Dr. Robotnik in the animated series! – Fluttershy May 2 '12 at 4:18
1  
AFAIK Eggman was the original JP name while Robotnik was the original ENG name. "The English instruction manual for his 1991 debut game Sonic the Hedgehog described the character's full name as "Doctor Ivo Robotnik"[3] while the original Japanese version's instruction manual for the same game called him "Doctor Eggman"." – Pubby May 2 '12 at 4:33
There is also the scene from Sonic Generation where young Tails call him Dr Robotnik, and he answer that nobody call him that anymore. – Jupotter May 2 '12 at 8:41
@Jupotter, added that to the answer. I was pretty sure there was at least one time when they brought it up, but man, I could not remember where or when :) – agent86♦ May 2 '12 at 14:12
show 1 more comment
up vote 2 down vote

Same Person different name. This name is Ivo Robotnik, he's called "Eggman" because of his shape. Really a nickname that's been with him since Sonic adventures.

I don't remember him having a preference or not liking the name "Eggman". He like some of the characters, does have alternate universe version of themselves. Like "Dr. Eggman Nega".

share|improve this answer
up vote 1 down vote

At the risk of showing My Age and Geekiness... (Also My Awesome Memory.).

Just before, or as Sonic The Hedgehog was being released on the Megadrive, a Publication called, "Mean Machines Sega", (UK) had a pull out Comic. http://www.recalledcomics.com/SonicTheHedgehog1UKPromo.jpg

(Sonic The Comic didn't appear, for a couple of Years after that.).

In this pull out Comic, Sonic starts out as being Brown, (The Cobalt turs Him Blue... Why there's Cobolt involved in a Treadmill, I have no Idea,) in the explosion Doctor Kintobor turns evil for some Reason. -To be fair, it was a really flakey Story.

So, being His Polar opposite in a Flakey Story, (Much like the Kaleds became Daleks, for all of You WHOligans, out there,) KintoboR became RobotniK.

After typing, [Kintobor] into a search Engine, I have found this Image. I hope that it does not breech any Rules of posting.

Enjoy:

http://www.sonicstadium.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/STC8-Kintobor.jpg

So, based on that: His name is Robotnik. Although, I suspect that His original Name was Eggman.

share|improve this answer
1  
Is there any particular reason for the random initial caps on some words? It's making it hard to understand as I don't know which words are names and which are not... – deutschZuid Apr 25 at 22:27
I remember in the early 90s, this was the official backstory on Sega of America's website as well. – Shinrai Apr 25 at 23:02
up vote 0 down vote

Ivo Robotnik and Eggman are actually one and the same. Check this link for references.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.